Wide receiver A.J. Jenkins
Now in his second year, Jenkins started off training camp just like he did last summer – by dropping passes and slipping on the grass often. However, since a forced hiatus because of a tender hamstring, Jenkins had a productive practice on Monday.
When Jenkins knows what he’s doing, he gets separation with ease. Jenkins has big-league ability with his speed, but can he adjust quickly enough to the NFL game before the 49ers give up on him? This game will help answer that question.

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

Wide receiver A.J. Jenkins
Now in his second year, Jenkins...

Wide receiver A.J. Jenkins
Now in his second year, Jenkins... Photo-5018696.67859 - SFGate

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Nose tackle Ian Williams
Defensive end Ray McDonald said this year’s defensive line has more talent than last year’s even though the 49ers lost Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean Francois to free agency. Fellow defensive line starter Justin Smith also believes this line could be better. Such improvement largely centers on Williams. After shaving about 25 pounds off his frame, Williams will depend on quickness to disrupt blocking schemes. He will be interesting to watch in the middle.

Safety Eric Reid
Players, coaches, even a few media hacks realize that if Reid can replace Dashon Goldson at free safety, the 49ers will be a better defense. He has smarts and physical abilities galore, but how quickly can he learn the pro game? What he needs to work on most is assimilating information quickly and being in the proper place at the proper time. Don’t expect huge things out of him in this game.

Running back Anthony Dixon
Frank Gore is now 30. Kendall Hunter is still not back from his Achilles tendon tear he sustained eight months ago. LaMichael James is bulked up, but he’s still listed as 5-9, 195 pounds. It’s possible a big back will be needed this season and Dixon is that. He’s talented, but needs to eliminate mental errors. Expect him to get a lot of work in the preseason.

Special teamers Bubba Ventrone, Kassim Osgood (pictured) and Dan Skuta
The 49ers are looking for a special teams core player to solidify a unit that did not play as well last year as they did in 2011. Out of these three, one or two is likely to make it. Skuta is getting paid the most, which may be a blessing and a curse.